Job Summary
Teachers at KIPP DC lead classrooms that are academically rigorous, identity-affirming, and grounded in strong relationships with students and families. As a High School Teacher at KIPP DC Public Schools, you will plan and deliver high-quality instruction, build a strong and affirming classroom culture, and work closely with your team to support student learning and well-being.

As one of the highest performing public school systems in Washington, DC, KIPP DC believes that all students have the right to joyful, challenging, and culturally responsive learning experiences. Teachers are core to that work. The starting salary for teachers is $65,500 and increases with relevant years of Lead Teacher experience and graduate-level education, as outlined in our instructional salary scale. Compensation is determined by the scale and is non-negotiable.

Teachers may be content-specialized (for example, English, math, science, social studies, or specialty electives).

About KIPP DC
For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.

Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike.

As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community

About the Team
High School includes two schools in Washington, DC, serving grades 9-12. Our teachers, leaders, and student support teams work together to provide instruction that is rigorous, culturally responsive, and grounded in strong relationships with students and families. We believe classrooms should be academically challenging, joyful, and identity-affirming, and we support teachers through coaching, collaborative planning structures, and dedicated development time.

About the Role
As a Lead Teacher, you will:

• Teach engaging, standards-aligned lessons informed by student data.
• Build an inclusive, identity-affirming classroom culture where all students feel a sense of belonging.
• Collaborate with grade-level and content teams to plan instruction, analyze data, and respond to student needs.
• Communicate consistently and proactively with families.
• Contribute to schoolwide culture and community
• Work collaboratively with peers and grow their leadership through opportunities like grade-level chair, fellowships, or school leadership development cohorts.

If applicable, you may also mentor a Capital Teaching Resident by modeling excellent instruction, gradually releasing classroom responsibilities, and participating in weekly coaching and feedback.

Secondary roles (middle and high school) include content-specific instruction in courses such as ELA, math, science, social studies, and electives.

Special Education Teachers collaborate with general education teachers and service providers to deliver instruction and services aligned to IEP goals in inclusive and pull-out settings.

Specials Teacher - Theater

Design and implement engaging Theater arts lessons as a member of the Specials team, ensuring students gain both performance and technical skills.

Serve as the lead director for large-scale school productions, overseeing all aspects of the performance process from casting and rehearsals to technical stage design.

Location and Type of Work

Fully In-Person (5 days per week onsite)

This is an in-person, school-based instructional role located at a KIPP DC campus in Washington, DC. KIPP DC schools serve students and families in person, and this position requires daily on-site presence to deliver instruction, provide student support, collaborate with teammates, and engage with families.

Teachers are responsible for classroom instruction during the student day (generally 8:00 am to 3:30 pm). Teacher work hours are typically 7:30 am to 5:00 pm two days per week, and 7:30 am to 4:00 pm three days per week, to allow for duties, collaboration, and professional development.

Key Responsibilities
The percentages for each key responsibility are estimates, and other duties may be assigned. Flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged to accommodate organizational needs.

Mission Alignment, Relationships, and Culture- 30%

• Demonstrate commitment to KIPP DC’s mission, with a focus on excellence, equity, and antiracist practice.
• Build trusting, affirming relationships with students, families, and teammates.
• Create a classroom culture that empowers students, affirms their identities, and fosters belonging for all learners.
• Communicate regularly with families, including academic updates and support plans.

Qualifications
Benefits & CompensationKIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package:

• The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $65,500-$98,880. At KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. When determining salaries we look at benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector. Please click here for our salary scale.
• KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.
• KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.
• Currently, individuals in this role have up to 15 paid time off days, up to 10 paid sick days, and 12 paid holidays. This is subject to change and your exact schedule will be shared in your offer letter.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.

Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.

Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application or fail to receive a confirmation email after applying, kindly reach out to Danica Cunningham at danica.cunningham@kippdc.org. Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.